Use of imagery and symbolism in the poetry of O.E.H. Nxumalo

Abstract

As a poet Nxumalo has not so far been acclaimed in the same way as Vilakazi, the first Zulu to publish a collection of poems. However, the ardent belief that Nxumalo's poetry might equal Vilakazi's in quality, is responsible for the desire to examine this poetry more closely. The aim of this article is to ascertain how effectively Nxumalo uses imagery and symbolism in his poetry, and to examine to what extent universal and cultural influences have affected the poet in his choice of images and symbols.